What UNC coach Scott Forbes said after USC win to force Game 3
Article excerpt
Jason DeCaro's complete-game shutout powered North Carolina past USC to force a decisive Game 3 in their series. The Tar Heels' pitcher delivered a dominant performance that kept the Trojans off the board, setting up a winner-take-all matchup. UNC head coach Scott Forbes addressed the team after the win, discussing what the victory means for the program's tournament hopes and how his squad will prepare for the final game.
North Carolina kept its season alive Saturday, blanking USC 4-0 in Game 2 of the super regional behind a dominant complete-game shutout from Jason DeCaro.
The victory pushed the series to a decisive Game 3 that will take place tomorrow at 3 p.m. and moved Scott Forbes within a win of taking the Tar Heels to the College World Series for the second time as head coach. USC, chasing its first trip to Omaha in more than 25 years, faces the same win-or-go-home stakes.
After the game, Forbes broke down DeCaro’s performance and what lies ahead in the finale.
On Jason DeCaro’s performance…
“How about this big guy (Jason DeCaro)? I’ve been saying forever, I’m going to try not to cry, but Jason DeCaro, since the day he walked on campus, since the day he trusted us and gave up his high school senior year, he’s been nothing but phenomenal, and saved that biggest complete game for a big, big moment. So I’m most excited for him, that was a big win…
On Cooper Nicholson’s clutch defensive play in the sixth inning…
“Third base is a hard position to play. The ball’s on you quick, you have to learn to play lower. (Nicholson) embraced the heck out of it, man. He has made some unbelievable plays for us all season, to the point where if he doesn’t make a play… and that ball that was absolutely smoked at him, he didn’t make it, but that’s a tough play to make. But (the play to end the sixth) was a huge play right there. To get in there quick and make a good run through right there to make sure they didn’t get a freebie … Coop’s been good for us all year…
On who’s pitching tomorrow…
“I really trust my coaches. We trust each other. We’ll talk tonight. We’ll meet in the morning. Match-ups are important. We’re going to start either Caden Glauber or Folger Boaz, one of those two. Just need to watch a little bit more video, see the difference between right-handed and left-handed. When you get a big game like this, we’re going to have more than just Caden Glauber and Folger Boaz. Other guys are going to need to pitch and other guys are going to need to pitch well. One of those guys that I have a good feeling is going to be out there and throw really well is Walker McDuffie. I’ll probably make that decision in the morning, after about four cups of coffee.”
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC Baseball: Head coach Scott Forbes reflects on win.